Installing OpenVPN on the server: step-by-step guide 2026

Installing OpenVPN on the server: step-by-step guide 2026

In a world where internet censorship and blocks are becoming increasingly common, installing OpenVPN on a server can be your salvation. This detailed guide will help you set up OpenVPN on your server to bypass blocks on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and other services. I will share my experience and provide practical tips for each step.

What is OpenVPN and its advantages

OpenVPN is a powerful tool for creating virtual private networks (VPNs). It allows you to protect your data and bypass geographical restrictions. Unlike other protocols such as WireGuard and IKEv2, OpenVPN offers a high degree of security and flexibility in settings.

Advantages of using OpenVPN

The first thing to note is security. OpenVPN supports various encryption algorithms, making your data inaccessible to third parties. Additionally, it operates over different ports, which helps bypass blocks imposed by providers.

Comparison with other protocols

WireGuard is a newer protocol that offers excellent speed and ease of setup, but it has fewer security features compared to OpenVPN. IKEv2, on the other hand, works well on mobile devices but can be blocked by more aggressive filtering systems. OpenVPN remains a versatile choice for most users.

Bypassing blocks with OpenVPN

OpenVPN is excellent at bypassing blocks. With the ability to customize encryption and use different ports, you can bypass DPI (Deep Packet Inspection) and other measures implemented by Roskomnadzor. I have personally used OpenVPN to access blocked websites and services, and it really works.

Preparing the server for OpenVPN installation

Before starting the installation of OpenVPN, you need to prepare the server. This includes choosing the operating system, installing necessary packages, and configuring network settings.

Choosing the operating system

I recommend using Ubuntu or Debian for installing OpenVPN. These operating systems have good support and many available guides. Personally, I prefer Ubuntu 20.04, as it has fewer issues during installation.

Installing necessary packages

To install OpenVPN, you will need some packages. Run the following commands:

sudo apt update

These commands will update your system and install OpenVPN along with Easy-RSA, which will help you generate certificates.

Configuring network settings

It is important to configure network settings correctly. Make sure your server has a static IP address and that the ports you intend to use (usually 1194) are open in your firewall. This will help avoid connection issues.

Step-by-step guide to installing OpenVPN

Now that the server is ready, let's move on to installing OpenVPN. This step-by-step guide will help you successfully install OpenVPN on the server and configure it.

Installing OpenVPN on the server

To install OpenVPN, follow these steps:

sudo apt install openvpn

After installation, check that OpenVPN is running:

systemctl status openvpn

If everything is fine, you will see the status "active."

Configuring configuration files

Now you need to configure the configuration files. First, create a directory for keys and certificates:

make-cadir ~/openvpn-ca

Then configure the variables in the vars file and run the commands to generate keys. This is quite a labor-intensive process, but it is necessary to ensure the security of your connections.

Starting and testing the service

After configuring the configuration files, start OpenVPN:

sudo systemctl start openvpn@server

To check the connection, you can use the command:

sudo systemctl status openvpn@server

If everything works, you can test the connection speed using various online services.

Setting up OpenVPN clients on various devices

Now it's time to set up OpenVPN on your devices. I will explain how to do this on Windows, Android, and iOS, as well as on routers and Smart TVs.

Setup on Windows

Download the OpenVPN client from the official website and install it. Then copy the configuration files to your device. Launch the client, import the configuration, and connect. Wait until the status changes to "Connected."

Setup on Android and iOS

For Android and iOS users, the OpenVPN Connect mobile applications are available. Install the app, upload the configuration, and connect. This is convenient and fast, especially if you are often on the go.

Setup on routers and Smart TVs

Setting up OpenVPN on routers can vary depending on the model. Usually, this is done through your router's web interface. For Smart TVs, you may often need to install a third-party application. Make sure your router supports OpenVPN.

Problems and their solutions when installing OpenVPN

Sometimes various problems may arise during the installation and configuration of OpenVPN. I have encountered several common situations, and here’s how to solve them.

Connection problems

If OpenVPN does not connect, first check the configuration settings. Often the problem lies in an incorrectly specified server IP address or an incorrect port. Make sure the client configuration file matches the server settings. Also, check that the OpenVPN service is running on the server.

Routing problems

Sometimes the connection may be established, but there is no internet access. This can occur due to incorrect routing configuration. Make sure the correct routes are specified in the server configuration. I recommend adding the following lines to the server configuration file:

push "redirect-gateway def1 bypass-dhcp"

These lines will help redirect all traffic through the VPN and configure DNS.

Bypassing blocks of specific services

In some cases, OpenVPN may not bypass blocks of services like YouTube or TikTok. This may be due to providers using more aggressive blocking methods. To bypass such restrictions, try changing the port used by OpenVPN. For example, instead of the standard port 1194, you can use 443, which is often not blocked.

Another way is to use SSL/TLS for tunneling OpenVPN. This creates an additional layer of encryption, making it harder to recognize the traffic. I recommend exploring the "obfuscation" and "stunnel" settings to increase the chances of success.

Additional security settings

Security is a key aspect when using OpenVPN. I always recommend regularly updating the server and all installed packages to protect against vulnerabilities. It is also worth considering using two-factor authentication for client connections.

Don't forget about traffic monitoring. Use tools like vnStat or Bandwidthd to track VPN usage and identify potential attacks.